因為我從來沒有真正探訪過任何一家中國的工廠,所以這一次來到五糧液工廠給我留下了極為深刻的記憶。一步入五糧液集團公司的523生產車間,映入眼簾就是許許多多辛勤的匠人正在攤晾五糧糟醅,這就是五糧液白酒的生產原料。工匠們為了生產最高品質的五糧液白酒全身心投入,你能很直觀地感受到這種工作狀態。當我們徜徉于生產車間內,制酒工匠們甚至都沒有一人關注我們,他們工作的熱忱與心無旁騖實在讓我由衷地欽佩。
I was given a chance to taste a fresh batch of the baijiu in the factory; the baijiu was strong, but pure. Compared to most of the liquors that I have tasted in my lifetime, Wuliangye’s baijiu went down smooth. I felt like I was having a genuine Chinese experience when drinking Wuliangye’s baijiu. It was at this point that I learned that Wuliangye has kept the tradition of their formula for decades. To think that a baijiu could be made at such a high quality was astounding to me.Besides,we felt honored to be welcomed by LiuYoujin,the liquor-making technical expert of Wuliangye.Mr.Liu talked about the special techniques and philosophy of Wuliangye Group, which made me respect the company even more.
很幸運的是,我在這里有機會品嘗到一小杯剛剛蒸餾出的五糧液白酒原漿,僅僅品嘗了一口就讓我感受到它的濃烈與純凈。相較于我從前喝過的所有烈酒,五糧液讓我確確實實感受到其“味醇厚、入口甘美、落喉凈爽”的產品特征。這一口五糧液對于我這個來自異域他鄉的人來說,更可謂是一種純粹而難得的中國文化體驗。此時此刻,我進一步學習了解到五糧液所堅持數百年的“古法釀制”。五糧液釀造過程中的每一個細節,無不飽含著五糧液人對工藝、產品的無上質量追求,這不由得讓我發自內心地感到無比欽佩。
Outside of the Wuliangye factory, I saw a couple of mushroom sculptures. I learned that the mushroom sculptures were there to represent the microorganisms to ferment the five grains. This is an important part of the fermentation process. Only after the fermentation by the microorganism can the Wuliangye baijiu be made. The microorganisms in the cellar of Wuliangye are unique. Only when the five grains are fermented can they make the authentic Wuliangye baijiu which makes it so valuable and special. I found the history behind the microorganisms to be a fascinating aspect of the Wuliangye company.
步出車間,游覽于整個五糧液廠區,各種或生動或抽象的雕塑映入眼簾,酒圣山頂的幾株巨大的蘑菇形雕塑更是勾起了我的興趣。經詢問,我得知這組蘑菇雕塑是代表著五糧液釀造過程中對五種谷物進行發酵、醇化的無數微生物。成千上萬種微生物棲息生存于五糧液的古老窖池之中,其中某些品種別處都尚未能發現。經過這些微生物細微而不停歇的發酵、醇化過程,最正宗的五糧液才得以誕生,這也是五糧液在中國白酒中如此珍貴及特別的原因。通過學習這些微觀“釀酒師”的歷史,我又有了一個全新的角度與方向來了解五糧液。
After going to the factory, we were given a tour of Yibin, the area where Wuliangye headquarters is located. The tour guide was extremely hospitable, he was always willing to tell us more about Chinese culture and how Wuliangye plays into that culture.
在離開五糧液集團公司廠區之后,我有幸得到五糧液集團公司慷慨與熱情的款待,受邀在三天的時間里繼續游覽五糧液集團公司總部所在地——宜賓。值得一提的是,來自五糧液公司西南營銷中心的向導異常熱情,他一直極力告訴我們更多關于中國文化和五糧液對中國文化的貢獻。
In China, toasting people during a meal is a sign of respect. With Wuliangye being the highest quality baijiu in China, toasting with Wuliangye is the greatest amount respect that a person can give. So, for me, when I was toasted to by the tour guide by Wuliangye, I felt humbled and honored.
在中國,宴會時敬酒、祝酒是表示對賓客的尊敬。那么,用中國白酒中最為珍貴的五糧液宴請賓客,則理所應當是對賓客的最高禮儀。正因為如此,能夠被五糧液的領導及工作人員們這樣的款待,我感到萬分榮幸。
After my experience in the Wuliangye factory, I hope that I’ll be able to purchase Wuliangye baijiu when I get back home to America. I enjoyed the baijiu when I first tasted it, and learning about how Wuliangye baijiu is made along with the tour of Yibin that we received shortly after made me respect Wuliangye as a company. I will always keep the memories of the Wuliangye factory in my heart, for it was one of the most memorable places that I visited during my stay in China. I thank Wuliangye and their staff for what was an unforgettable and memorable experience.
本次的五糧液之旅之后,買瓶五糧液帶回美國的愿望一直縈繞在我心里。這不光是因為我從第一口品嘗開始,就已經愛上了五糧液的白酒,更是因為五糧液集團公司所展現的“熱忱”“專注”“好客”等一系列正能量讓我在宜賓旅游的短時間內愈發地尊敬五糧液這個公司。關于五糧液的記憶我終身難忘,因為這是我在中國參觀的所有地方中最濃墨重彩的一部分。再次由衷地感謝五糧液集團公司以及來自五糧液的各位領導及工作人員,和我一起譜寫了如此精彩難忘的人生經歷。
(中英文稿件由五糧液西南營銷中心提供)